Is Preventive Cancer Infusion Treatment Worth the Side Effects?

Hi Helene! I’ve had two infusion sessions for my Bone Cancer and was just tired for a few days which was tolerable to work through. Hope this helps you.

I don’t have bone cancer I had breast cancer but she wants me to have the infusion for a preventative

helene if your talking about Zameta infusion for bones, I have had 3 thus far and 4th coming up. It does feel like my knuckles become stiff, and try to exercise them often. My dentist explained the trouble u get in the jaw also, but luckily nothing yet. A friend of mine gets a shot every 6 months and no issues. Everyone is different but I understand why its needed.

What kind of shot ?

It’s Zometa. I had one so far. It knocked me off my feet the next day. My next one is in April. We’ll see how it goes.

its called Prolia. Friend of mine elected for that.

Has anyone had reclast injections for osteoporosis. I had bilateral mastectomy 2 years ago

I don’t have bone cancer. I had breast cancer then had chemo lumpectomy and radiation I just don’t understand why I need the infusion? I’m also on an estrogen blocker.

estrogen plays a role in bone density, lowering it by blockers can result in bone loss & increase ur risk for fractures. In fusion/shots keep it from progressing. plus as I understand any cells from breast cancer could form in the bones so the inhibitors help & infusion.

Kathleen G - I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy soon. What was the recovery time like?

Ty Pauline

Karen W…..the recovery was not too bad. Went home the same day. Had drains for 2 weeks which were uncomfortable but after that I recovered well. I’m 76 and my surgery was 2 years ago. I did go through chemo…no radiation and ate anything I wanted. Felt better when I ate. Good luck to you …. You will get through it 🙏🏻

I have Breast CA stage 1 A but needed to do Chemo and radiation due to Mammaprint and Oncogene scores. Then will do Hormone meds which will deplete estrogen . I am 73 and have had stable osteopenia so my endocrinologist said I could wait about 10 months post chemo and revisit bones and decide then about best path ( Reclast, or Prolia or ??)

Zometa? What if you only take the hormone blockers but miss a bone infusion? It’s 699 as a cash patient but they bill insurance 2k. I’m always in and out of insurance because I’m in and out of a job as a contractor.

This sounds like a really tough decision to weigh. Many people in this community have faced similar choices about preventive treatments and understand how challenging it can be to balance potential benefits with quality of life concerns. Consider discussing your specific situation, lifestyle factors, and any concerns about the side effects with your oncology team - they can help you understand how this treatment might fit into your overall care plan and whether the timing or approach might be adjusted to work better for you.